9 Most Moving Tributes To Leonard Nimoy, Spock Of ‘Star Trek’
The geek community lost its surrogate grandfather this week, as Leonard Nimoy, the actor most famous for his role as Spock in the Star Trek franchise, died after a long battle with COPD. Fan communities around the globe reached out to share their pain, and remember the famous actor.
President Obama issued a statement from the White House, remembering the actor.
“I loved Spock.” —President Obama #RIPLeonardNimoy #LLAP pic.twitter.com/vmwjnQ3Zm3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 27, 2015
For many fans, the Star Trek movie franchise didn’t really take off until The Wrath of Khan, the second movie that brought the science fiction show to the big screen. In the course of the film, Spock utters what many consider to be his second most iconic line (after, of course, “Live long and prosper.”)
I understand the great @TheRealNimoy is to be buried today. “I have been and always shall be your friend” #LLAP. http://t.co/rCXoKvV5QA — Andrew Keates (@andrewkeates) March 1, 2015
More than just individual fans were moved to share their sadness at the Star Trek actor’s passing; Adams Outdoor in Pennsylvania put this on their electronic billboards.
Local billboard company @adamsoutdoor had this running on their electronic billboards Friday afternoon. #LLAP pic.twitter.com/apDRZIzKVj
— Vinnie Bartilucci (@VBartilucci) March 1, 2015
While over Boston (Nimoy’s hometown), astronaut Terry W. Virts tweeted a tribute to the iconic humanitarian.
pic.twitter.com/ErjTLgCIrL — Terry W. Virts (@AstroTerry) February 28, 2015
And William Shatner, a man generally described as keeping his feelings to himself, shared a few words at his friend’s passing.
George Takei posted on Facebook, “Today, the world lost a great man, and I lost a great friend. We return you now to the stars, Leonard. You taught us to “Live Long And Prosper,” and you indeed did, friend. I shall miss you in so many, many ways.”
And Zachary Quinto, who reprised the role of Spock in the more recent Star Trek reboot, shared his sadness on Instagram.
my heart is broken. i love you profoundly my dear friend. and i will miss you everyday. may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Wil Wheaton, the actor who played Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, recently shared this touching tweet.
We stood on your shoulders, and wouldn’t have had a galaxy to explore if you hadn’t been there, first. Thank you, Leonard, Rest in peace.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) February 27, 2015
But in some ways, the most heartbreaking tribute is this one which shows the losses that the Star Trek community has suffered in recent years.
No caption needed #LLAP to them all. Thank you for this @James_Hannigan pic.twitter.com/XUw4NBAOMt
— Austin Wintory (@awintory) February 28, 2015
It is always sad when a community loses someone who has been such an important part of it for so many years. Leonard Nimoy did far more than just act in a sometimes cheesy TV show. He was a kind and generous man, whose presence, both in the Star Trek universe and outside of it, will be missed.
He lived long, and he prospered.
[Image by Valerie Macon/Getty Images]
